Effect of Glue and Temperatures on Mechanical Properties of Starch-Based Biodegradable Composites Reinforced with Bagasse Fibers

Abstract

During the last two decades, a considerable amount of research has been focused on the development of eco-friendly ''green'' biodegradable composites that can replace the artificially-synthesized petroleum-based composites [1]. Such efforts are attempting to satisfy the increased demand of creating a resource-circulating society, which poses no resource-shortage-related problems [2].

Valorization of Sugarcane Straw for the Development of Sustainable Biopolymer-Based Composites

“…Similar decreases in the tensile strength have been reported by several authors when any coupling agents were used for natural fibers, such as agave, wood, bamboo, coconut, jute, and rice straw [51][52][53][54]. In addition, compared to other biocomposites, such as with thermoplastic starch as the matrix, similar values (around 20 MPa) have been reported when using bagasse fiber and Nile rose residues as reinforcements [20,55]. Despite the high losses in this property, it is important to mention that 30 wt.% of SCS could be used as a filler material for biopolymers and could still have acceptable properties for specific applications.…”

“…The current concern for the use of eco-friendly materials has caused an increasing demand for developing biopolymers. Among these materials, the thermoplastic starch (TPS) is based on renewable plants [20], the polylactic acid (PLA) and green polyethylene (Green-PE) are synthesized from renewable sources [21][22][23], and the polyhydroxyalkanoates are intracellularly synthesized from microbial fermentation, e.g., polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) and its copolymer polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate (PHBV) [5]. Besides, these biopolymers can be produced from different renewable sources, and the PLA, PHB, and PHBV are biodegradable materials.…”